On June 20th, 1943 the 4th Raiders were ordered to Viru with instructions to clean out native forces operating in the vicinity of Segi.
The Solomon Islanders, under command of Coastwatcher Donald G. Kennedy, had repeatedly attacked enemy outposts and patrols in the area. As the Japanese battalion advanced units closer to Segi Point, Kennedy requested support.
On 20 June Admiral Turner ordered Lieutenant Colonel Currin and half of his 4th Raiders to move immediately from Guadalcanal to Segi. Companies O and P loaded on board APDs that day and made an unopposed landing the next morning.
On 22 June two Army infantry companies and the advance party of the airfield construction unit arrived to strengthen the position.